Federal and Queensland Government commit $1B to target congestion

The Queensland Government have allocated $200 million to building the next stages of the Gateway Motorway upgrade in Brisbane’s north.

The upgrade is aimed at targeting congestion in region which is a booming growth area.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade the motorway from Bracken Ridge to the Bruce Highway merge forms part of a $3.13 billion program for the region’s roads and transport infrastructure over the next four years.

The $200 million joins an $800 million commitment by the Federal Government to deliver the project.

“This is a job-creating, congestion tackling budget that will build the next stage of the Gateway Motorway in Brisbane’s north,” Mr Bailey said.

This project will replicate the six-lane upgrade of 11.3 kilometres of the first stage between Nudgee and the Deagon Deviation.

Mr. Bailey said the project comes as part of the state government’s $23 billion commitment to a four-year road and transport program for Queensland aimed at delivering more than 21,500 jobs.

Member for Sandgate, Stirling Hinchliffe said locals were already benefiting from stage one with a significant reduction in congestion, especially during peak hours.

“More than 83,000 vehicles are already travel on our northern Gateway Motorway every day, and our $200 million commitment will help to provide much needed relief for Brisbane’s northside.”

Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said the Queensland Government would also commit $15 million for the Strathpine Road interchange and $25 million to build Linkfield Road overpass duplication.

“Locals also know just how frustrating rush hour traffic is on Linkfield Road interchange, with vehicles moving in all sorts of directions. With this funding contribution, the Palaszczuk Government will be able to start a detailed business case as soon as possible for this overpass,” Mr. Mellish said.